FAQ

FAQ Old Focals’ Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship to countries outside the U.S.?

Yes! Unfortunately we cannot offer free shipping on these purchases. Shipping fees vary by country and are calculated at checkout.

How long will it take to get my frames?

When we receive your order and payment, it will be processed immediately. Depending on the complexity of the order, you should expect to receive your glasses within 7 to 10 business days for deliveries in the Continental U.S.A. International orders can take 2-6 weeks depending on your country’s customs laws.

Please contact us about USPS Express Mail for faster delivery.

How can I check the status of my order?

Online: To check the status of your order, log in to your account and enter your account information. Once you log in, your recent orders will be displayed, including their status. You can view information about individual orders by clicking “View Order”.

Do you do repairs?

Not really. We can do some. If you are able to come to our shop we will assist you any way we can or make a proper referral.

What makes you vintage eyewear experts?

Old Focals has been in business for over three decades and has worked with almost every imaginable frame. It is our business to know the history of eyewear in order to provide research for several industries including film and historical curators.

How long have you been in business?

I’m looking for a particular frame from the 19XX? Do you have them?

Possibly! Because our collection is so large, it is difficult to search for individual frames. But if you know the make and model, please feel free to fill out our contact us form and include a description, and if you have a picture that will really help!

Are those your frames I saw in XXX movie or XXX TV Show?

We work and have worked with the best people in the industry and we don’t always advertise every single item that has been exposed on the silver screen.

Do you make those glasses that Johnny Depp wears?

We have provided glasses for Johnny Depp for several of his films, like Secret Window, Blow, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Public Enemies and Rum Diaries. In real life he wears vintage Tart Arnels.

Payments & Insurance

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We process our online payments through PayPal.

Do you accept insurance?

No. But your purchase may qualify as “out of network” with your insurance company and you may be eligible for reimbursement with our receipt. Old Focals has been recognized as a quality ophthalmic eyewear provider.

Can I get bifocal or progressive lenses in my frames?

What kinds of lenses do you use in your frames?

Old Focals uses opthalmic quality lenses in all of its products. We use CR39 plastic for optical acuity and also use polycarbonate for our polarized sun lenses.

What kinds of coatings can I get on my lenses?

At this time we are offering anti-glare and on individual basis we can discuss flash coatings such as “mirrored”.

Can I get those lenses that change color when I go outside?

Yes. Those are photochromic lenses or often called by the brand name “Transitions.”

I have a pair of frames that I really like. Can you put lenses in them?

At this time we do not provide this service online but please visit our store for consideration.

What are my plastic frames made of?

All of our plastic frames are made of acetate zyl.

How come the tortoiseshell frame I received doesn’t have the same pattern as the one in the pictures?

The markings vary from frame to frame due to the manufacturing process, which makes each pair unique.

Why are the frames I received a slightly different color than those shown in the pictures?

We do our best to reflect the true color of ours frames in our pictures. However, some colors, like our butterscotch frames for example, are very difficult to get accurate pictures of. We feel that in real life the butterscotch is a tad “creamier” than in our pictures. Please also take in consideration the brightness of your screen.

How come my frames are not perfectly straight on my face?

Because everyone’s face is unique, your glasses may need to be adjusted by an optician so they fit you perfectly.

Prescriptions

My prescription is strong – can you fill it?

We can fill a wide range of single vision prescriptions, including prescriptions with astigmatism. However, for online orders we do have some limitations, including not being able to do hi-index lenses. If the center of the lens is not perfectly aligned with your pupils you can feel nauseous and it’s very uncomfortable.

We can accommodate most prescriptions for in-store orders.

Prescription Optical / Sun Glasses (Online orders)
Sphere (SPH): We cannot fill prescriptions with an SPH value stronger than ±3.00. If you do not have astigmatism, the SPH will be the only value on your prescription (no CYL or Axis).

Cylinder (CYL): If you have astigmatism in either eye, you will have a CYL value in your prescription. We cannot fill prescriptions with a CYL value stronger than ±3.00.

What is “Pupillary Distance” or PD?

Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance in millimeters between the center of your eyes’ pupils. The typical PD range is between 57 and 65 mm. Your PD is used to custom-fit your prescription lenses to focus directly over your pupils so you can see your best

How do I measure my PD?

It’s best to have your eyecare professional do this. Although it’s included in most eye exams, you may have to ask for it. You can watch this video for “do it yourself” instructions.

Can I get bifocal or progressive lenses in my frames?

No. At this time we only offer single vision lenses.

Vintage Eyewear

What makes a vintage frame vintage?

For an item to be vintage it’s technically supposed to be at least 20 years old. An antique is an old collectable item. It is common practice to define “antique” as applying to objects at least 100 years old. Collectibles are, generally speaking, the possible antiques of the future and generally less than 100 years old.

Where do you find your vintage frames?

Old Focals has been collecting for years by buying out optical businesses, new old stock, as well as scouring the Universe for quantities of seemingly obsolete eyewear collections.

Can I get more than one particular frame?

Due to the nature of vintage eyewear we often have only one of a kind but you’re welcome to ask. Sometimes we have quantity of certain styles.

Is the pair of vintage frames shown in the pictures the same pair that I will be receiving?

Because our vintage frames are purchased frequently and may come in different sizes and colors, we are unable to photograph every single pair. However, each has been checked meticulously for imperfections and wear & tear. The pictures are there to show you how each model looks like. Please also remember that these frames were handmade and that certain imperfections often come from the manufacturing process. That is why they all are truly one of a kind.

Why does the plastic on my vintage frames seem a bit wavy?

Shrinkage is a natural chemical process that occurs to zyl plastic over time, and in this case decades. It does not harm the quality and the durability of the frames.

Why is the metal of my vintage frames slightly discolored?

Oxidation may occur on the metal parts over time. We usually clean up the hinges if they show signs of oxidation. However, because we do not want to modify their vintage authenticity, and because it is only an aesthetic concern, we do not polish the shields or rivets (arrows, diamonds, etc.).

Why are the vintage frames I received crooked on my face?

You purchased a pair of glasses that is NOS (New Old Stock) and has never been worn. In most cases the frames are more than 50 years old, and while in excellent condition, your optician may need to make adjustments. If the glasses arrive slightly crooked, it is natural, and they will return to their original shape when your lenses are installed: lenses are what keep the frames from distorting.

What is ‘NOS’?

New Old Stock is vintage eyewear that has never been worn.

I have a pair of glasses I got from my grandma can you tell me what they’re worth?

At this time, Old Focals does not evaluate private party frames. You may try comparing to similar frames available on auction sites.

Will you buy my grandma’s frames?

Old Focals, for the record, does not purchase individuals frames but we will consider entire collections in quantity.